Two Tacoma councilmen suffer minor injuries in Olympia crash

Three Tacoma city councilmen were involved in an accident Thursday night on Interstate 5 on their way to a legislative event in Olympia.

Marty Campbell, a passenger in the car, was taken to an Olympia hospital, where he was treated and released, said City of Tacoma spokesman Rob McNair-Huff. Joe Lonergan and David Boe proceeded to the event; Lonergan later sought treatment at a Tacoma emergency room after returning home. He also was treated and released.

The car carrying the councilmen – Boe’s Toyota Prius – was rear-ended shortly before 6 p.m. near the exit to the state Capitol as they drove south on Interstate 5 in Olympia, Washington State Patrol trooper Guy Gill said.

The three pulled over and told troopers they didn’t know who’d hit them.

“They originally thought it was a hit-and-run because no one was around,” Gill said.

That turned out not to be the case.

Troopers inspected the Prius and studied the impression left by the license plate of the vehicle that caused the wreck. They matched the impression to a van that had pulled over farther down I-5. Troopers suspect the van’s driver hit the councilmen’s vehicle and then a second car, Gill said. No one was hurt in the second car.

The van’s driver was cited for going too fast for conditions and driving without insurance, Gill said. The Prius was towed away.

Lonergan wrote on Facebook: “Thanks to all who offered well-wishes and especially your prayers. I’m battered and bruised, but should be okay, as should the others in the car I was in.”